Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine and is often used with acupuncture as a safe and effective means of healing the body and mind. Chinese herbal formulas have been used for thousands of years, based on empirical knowledge. Prescribing herbal formulas is a rich tradition in Chinese medicine, and requires several years of study for a practitioner to become proficient. 

There are approximately 5,000 potential ingredients in the pharmacopeia of the Chinese herbologist; about 500 of these are commonly used. These consist mostly of flowers, barks, leaves, roots, seeds, stems, fruits, berries, and minerals. Each individual herb is understood to have a particular nature, to target specific organ systems and meridians, and to carry out distinct functions.  When used in combination with other herbs, which is how most Chinese herbs are taken, they enhance each other’s therapeutic functions and balance the overall effect of the formula. They are mixed in different combinations to create powerful, healing recipes that are carefully balanced according to energetic principles. When used in this way, Chinese herbal medicine is extremely safe and virtually free of side effects when prescribed correctly by a qualified herbalist.

Herbology is one of the more important modalities utilized in Chinese medicine. Many of the traditional formulas are available in pill or capsule form, or powder made exactly to a predetermined recipe. They can also be made available in raw format (to be cooked before use) or in pre-cooked form that is evaporated to produce granules to be dissolved in water – in either case, the herbs are consumed in liquid form.  The advantage of this format is the ability to modify the formula when needed. A fully trained herbalist will often modify the original formula to address more than one therapeutic strategy at once. This is beneficial, first because the formula can be tailored to the individual patient, and second because it can address changing symptoms as the patient’s condition progresses toward a more healthy balance.

Unlike western medications, the balance and interaction of all the ingredients are considered more important than the effect of individual ingredients. Because traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis is based on identifying a pattern of disharmony, herbal medicine formulas can simultaneously address multiple symptoms within the pattern, while also treating the underlying cause of the illness, and restoring normal body functions.  A key to success in Chinese medicine is the treatment of each patient as unique, and custom formulas can be tailored to meet the distinct needs of each patient. Liquid format does have the advantage of more rapid and more complete absorption, especially in patients who have compromised digestion.  However, a custom granular formula can be made available in capsules for those who prefer this format.
 

What conditions can Chinese herbs treat?  Chinese herbal formulas have been designed to address the same issues that acupuncture does.  The two modalities, when combined, can achieve much more powerful results than either of them alone (the effect is synergistic). Furthermore, some formulas, especially those containing adaptogenic herbs, are highly effective at promoting wellness - strengthening the immune response or regulating normal hormonal activity (adrenal, thyroid, reproductive glands, etc.), promoting better energy levels and regulating the smooth flow of emotions.
 

Chinese herbs are much gentler in action than prescription medications; many of them are either foods or herbs and spices that are also commonly used in cooking, such as ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, turmeric, fennel seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, dates, and watermelon, to name a few.  Many others are the roots or leaves of plants that are found in our perennial gardens and shrubs. Herbal formulas are safe and effective when taken under supervision. One should not try to self-medicate with single herbs and should always consult an experienced herbalist before taking any Chinese herbal formulas.